Ter Stegen holds a different view from Nagelsmann.
Manuel Neuer will be the goalkeeper for Germany's national football team during the upcoming European Championship. This news is disappointing for world-class challenger Marc-André ter Stegen. The Barca goalie expresses his disappointment openly.
There were valid reasons to have ter Stegen in goal for the German national team during the home Euros. Neuer, their regular goalkeeper, missed many international games due to a severe ski injury, while ter Stegen excelled at Barcelona and made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
In March, during Germany's double date against France and the Netherlands, ter Stegen was in goal and performed well. Despite his impressive performance, Nagelsmann chose to keep Neuer as the starting goalie for the opener against Scotland on June 14th. Neuer had recently returned to the DFB goal in a 0:0 against Ukraine.
"It's not a pleasant situation," ter Stegen said during a press conference at the Euros headquarters in Herzogenaurach. The 32-year-old is a highly regarded challenger in world football but has so far failed to secure a spot in a major tournament. Neuer's reputation is too big to be replaced. Ter Stegen, who has 40 international appearances, has to accept his fate. "The coach has made his decision, which I accept, even though I don't agree with it."
Despite his disappointment, ter Stegen will remain positive and accept his role. He's been sitting on the bench during several tournaments since the 2016 Euros and has yet to play in a World or European Championship. Neuer, who had come back from a long injury break to play in the 2021 Euros, has always been the starter.
"I told the coach about the sporting side and the human side," ter Stegen said. "I want everyone to be able to rely on me." Though it's disappointing, ter Stegen understands his responsibility to the team. "Personally, I find it very disappointing, but in the end, you have a responsibility towards the group. I'll help where I can."
It's uncertain whether Neuer will volunteer to give up the goalkeeper position of the German national team after the Euros. "No matter what team I play for, I want to be on the field," the 118-time national player said at the end of 2023. He enters his possibly last major tournament with this determination.
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Despite Nagelsmann's decision to start Neuer as the goalkeeper for Germany at the European Football Championship 2024, Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged ter Stegen's talent during a team meeting, expressing his belief that ter Stegen could potentially lead the national soccer team in future tournaments.
Marc-André ter Stegen, despite being disappointed about not starting for the German national soccer team at the European Football Championship 2024, remains committed to the team and is ready to offer his support to Manuel Neuer, the chosen goalkeeper, in any way he can.
